How kids truly want to leave their comfort zone and attend college more than 500 miles away from home/
Better yet how many parents allow it to happen?
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Ours played 750 miles away from the Cleveland Ohio area near Myrtle Beach South Carolina. We made about four trips per year there and enjoyed each moment. Fortunately, we were able to view about 80% of all his games that we could not attend on the Internet. The other 20% were always broadcast on Internert radio.
We would not change a thing. We got some advice early on when he started generating local recruiting interest that the best players play in the South and we acted upon that premise. It is obviously not always true that the best players are in the South (or other warm weather locations) but imho it is generally true. It was worth the sacrifice.
We would not change a thing. We got some advice early on when he started generating local recruiting interest that the best players play in the South and we acted upon that premise. It is obviously not always true that the best players are in the South (or other warm weather locations) but imho it is generally true. It was worth the sacrifice.
DK went north to play baseball 
, many couldn't beleive that he made a choice not to play closer to home or for one of the larger D1 programs here in our state.
Understand this was a very big decision for him, he knew that we would not be there often, and we let him know that what was important to him (being where he felt was the right fit) was more important than what we wanted.
This sometimes may come down to a personal decision regarding a families finances, especially these days, so can't say that parents having input in the decision maybe right or wrong.
, many couldn't beleive that he made a choice not to play closer to home or for one of the larger D1 programs here in our state.Understand this was a very big decision for him, he knew that we would not be there often, and we let him know that what was important to him (being where he felt was the right fit) was more important than what we wanted.
This sometimes may come down to a personal decision regarding a families finances, especially these days, so can't say that parents having input in the decision maybe right or wrong.
Mine stayed local to go to a Juco and is now, as a junior, in ClevelandDad country (flew home just last night). Says he's loving it. Mom and dad are left wondering, of course what else he's getting into , but he's clearly moving up and moving on. I know they lift a lot there, and they must be feeding him ok because he looks more like an NFL free safety than a shortstop 
.
, but he's clearly moving up and moving on. I know they lift a lot there, and they must be feeding him ok because he looks more like an NFL free safety than a shortstop .
Son went to a JUCO 4 hours away...grew up a lot. Now he is 1200 miles at a DI with great academics. Don't think he could have done it out of high school, but he is doing just fine now.
second son is about to sign. Will be almost as far away. He is not the home body of his big brother and has always said he would head to the coast in one direction or the other.
Its hard as a parent, but if it is clearly the best thing for the son, how can you hold them back.
second son is about to sign. Will be almost as far away. He is not the home body of his big brother and has always said he would head to the coast in one direction or the other.
Its hard as a parent, but if it is clearly the best thing for the son, how can you hold them back.
The reality in my part of the world is if you want your kid to get a good education and play baseball either they get into one of 5 or 6 schools or they are at least 500 miles from home. Mine was 2,000 miles and it worked out fine.
The reality is once they leave the bedroom down the hall; they are gone.
The reality is once they leave the bedroom down the hall; they are gone.
4thGen had no problem deciding that the best choice for him was in New England despite living in AZ. I don't think he's regreted it.
My oldest son went 2300 miles away. My youngest son is just down the road. If youngest son has an experience even close to oldest son -- the entire college experience -- then he will be a very, very lucky young man.
My son is about 3,000 miles from home. It would be nice if he were closer, but there is something to be said for being on his own and making his own way.
Son is 600 miles away from home and loving his college experience. I think he has matured more than his friends that are playing close to home. Yes we would see him more in the off-season but we do make it to most of the week-end series during the season. I think being so far away has made him appreciate us more.
He went where he was most wanted and as a parents it would have been really selfish of us to try to make him stay closer to home. It really has worked out for the best because he is very happy with all aspects of his team and the academics.
He went where he was most wanted and as a parents it would have been really selfish of us to try to make him stay closer to home. It really has worked out for the best because he is very happy with all aspects of his team and the academics.
My son is willing to be away from home, even on the west coast. As parents I am all for it as long as it is the right fit for him. His mother will have a greater problem with it, but she is resigned to leave it up to our collective wisdom as long as it is a respected institution. Otherwise she would want him closer to home.
Frankly it will be a more expensive proposition having him 500+ miles away, but if he is happy and getting a great education we will adjust to it.
Frankly it will be a more expensive proposition having him 500+ miles away, but if he is happy and getting a great education we will adjust to it.
My son ended up at a school only 2 hours away. We feel blessed that we can get there easily to watch him and that, on a whim, he can come home. As someone said earlier though, "once they leave from the bedroom down the hall" they ARE gone. He's only been home a couple of times.
He wanted to play in warm weather and was able to find the fit for him. So far, no regrets. In life, they must learn to find the positives in whatever their situation brings.
He wanted to play in warm weather and was able to find the fit for him. So far, no regrets. In life, they must learn to find the positives in whatever their situation brings.
My son is 582 miles away from home. Just got back this evening from driving up to see him play in his second to last Fall game. He has grown so much and is so much more comfortable this second year. He has two great roommates in a house and this year has had to learn more of what it takes to have housing bills and responsibilities after living in an assigned dorm last year. It was not easy to send him so far from home last year, but we knew it would be an excellent growth tool and baseball experience. I am a fanatic about watching my boys play but I knew I had to let him go and just see him play when I could. Hoping to see him play three or four times in the spring, one series in TX but still 8 hours away even then. I need to be there for my younger son's senior year of high school most of the time and really looking forward to that.
My daughter went from NC to Boston to play fastpitch and attend one of the best colleges in the nation. The worst part of it for me will be missing games in the spring. We plan on following the team to FL each spring and going north for one week to take in some games but we cannot see them all and I hate that. Fortunately, we can follow on line when not in attendance.
Distance will not be a deciding factor for my son either.
Distance will not be a deciding factor for my son either.
It seems to be working out well so far for him & us. He is 462 miles away. We'll be seeing most games on the Internet and seeing 10-12 games in person. Thankfully his team will be playing a bunch of games in Virginia this March. The 462 miles is by no means convenient, but he is getting an awesome education and baseball experience. We'll be using many frequent flyer & hotel points this Spring.
Most of his team is from the West coast (CA, OR, HI, AZ) going to an East coast school. Those parents have really no travel options other than an airplane. We feel somewhat fortunate in light of their situation.
Most of his team is from the West coast (CA, OR, HI, AZ) going to an East coast school. Those parents have really no travel options other than an airplane. We feel somewhat fortunate in light of their situation.
quote:Originally posted by fenwaysouth:
He is 462 miles away.
462? I you sure it is not 462.5, but who is counting?
Great circle route or mapquest route?
5605.57 miles is about good. It was 6790 to his old school, so we're making progress.
BOF - Yes, 462.0 door to dorm. ;-) Subtract a mile if we're going to the ballfield!
Wow Krak, that has got to be at least a 10 hour drive. 
Mine is about 400 miles away, (Add 2 hours if I hit DC at the wrong time) but I don't think it would matter if he was 40 miles. He's on his own and loves it. He misses us (so he says) but hasn't been homesick for a second so far. I think it's tougher on me, having to miss all the games I've been been attending for the past 10 years.
IMO like anything else, all kids are different and reaction to being far from home for the first time varies a lot.
Mine is about 400 miles away, (Add 2 hours if I hit DC at the wrong time) but I don't think it would matter if he was 40 miles. He's on his own and loves it. He misses us (so he says) but hasn't been homesick for a second so far. I think it's tougher on me, having to miss all the games I've been been attending for the past 10 years.
IMO like anything else, all kids are different and reaction to being far from home for the first time varies a lot.
O.k., Mapquest says 4thGen is 2643.29 miles away and 41 hours and 1 minute away by car.
I'm pretty sure I could do better then that.......
I'm pretty sure I could do better then that.......
You know, I didn't click into this thread originally because I thought the discussion was centered on homeplate to pitcher Distance? Honestly, I'm not afraid to admit that I'd prefer my son to play within a few hours (within 332.5 miles ). It would be nice to just jump in the car and go watch a game, and on the flip side, allow him to jump in his car and come home on his off days. Not to mention that there are many students that settle in and start careers in the area that they attend college, especially if there is a local college sweetheart involved. Either way, his mom and I just want him to find a good fit that makes him happy...thankfully he's trying to stay local...hopefully it works out.
Honestly, I'm not afraid to admit that I'd prefer my son to play within a few hours (within 332.5 miles ). It would be nice to just jump in the car and go watch a game, and on the flip side, allow him to jump in his car and come home on his off days. Not to mention that there are many students that settle in and start careers in the area that they attend college, especially if there is a local college sweetheart involved. Either way, his mom and I just want him to find a good fit that makes him happy...thankfully he's trying to stay local...hopefully it works out.
TR, your post makes it seem as if "leaving a comfort zone" and "parents allowing it to happen" are negatives. If I'm reading it wrong, let me know. I make lots of mistakes!
My son selected his college 580 miles from our house. Winston Salem became a comfort zone for him while attending college. I allowed it because it was a wonderful school and turned out to be a great college experience.
Son number 2 will attend college 900 or so miles away in Atlanta. He's decided that will be his comfort zone for college. I couldn't be happier with his choice.
I'm keeping the comfort zone for them here in New Jersey for whenever they come home.
My son selected his college 580 miles from our house. Winston Salem became a comfort zone for him while attending college. I allowed it because it was a wonderful school and turned out to be a great college experience.
Son number 2 will attend college 900 or so miles away in Atlanta. He's decided that will be his comfort zone for college. I couldn't be happier with his choice.
I'm keeping the comfort zone for them here in New Jersey for whenever they come home.
It appears the majority of our players are doing just fine even thousands of miles from home. We had only one offer, 729 miles from home but son is doing great, doesn't appear to miss us much and knows who to call for $$$$. It looks like he'll be twice a s far when he moves up to D1. Won't be able to drive to those games, although 12 to 13 hours on the road now gets old.
I guess I ask this question. How far from parents or hometown do the posters live?
Over 700 miles from both.
Could care less how far Jr. goes as long as he is happy.
Over 700 miles from both.
Could care less how far Jr. goes as long as he is happy.
Mine is being recruited by a program withen 30 minutes and he frankly he thinks it's TOO close.
Does it really matter once he get's over 300-400 miles? Once you have to go to the airport then an extra hour or two is really not that big of a deal.
Does it really matter once he get's over 300-400 miles? Once you have to go to the airport then an extra hour or two is really not that big of a deal.
quote:
Does it really matter once he get's over 300-400 miles? Once you have to go to the airport then an extra hour or two is really not that big of a deal.
Ours headed back to ClevelandDad Country on Monday afternoon after lunch time. The trip to the airport and flight had him back in his dorm before dinner. Missus OBC commented that "with only an hour flight, he can come back on the weekends more often."
Ever the politician, he responded "mom, that would be great but I need to get my studying in then." Call me a cynic, but I don't think he misses us
.
quote:Originally posted by deldad:
I guess I ask this question. How far from parents or hometown do the posters live?
Over 700 miles from both.
Could care less how far Jr. goes as long as he is happy.
Good point!
Over 2,400 miles for me.
Older one was 15 minutes from home (too close!). Next one will be a 2-hour flight from home (not too far!).
8 hrs. Did not see the need for us to watch every game. More important things when picking a college.
200 miles from home to the field - Most of the other schools he seriously considered were much further away but in the end being in the south was important for him, not to be close to home but to be in warmer weather.
Although he is only 200 miles away, he only came home 2 times his freshman year (Thanksgiving and Christmas). We visited him once last fall (none so far this fall) but we did take advantage of the short commute last spring by attending all home games and a few away series that were within 5 hours. We have given him a ton of "parent free" time in the fall but we made up for it in the spring by being there for home games, even when we knew there was no way he would be in the line-up and I actually think he enjoyed having us there.
I ended up traveling approx. 4,500 miles by car during the spring season even though he was only 200 miles away and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Although he is only 200 miles away, he only came home 2 times his freshman year (Thanksgiving and Christmas). We visited him once last fall (none so far this fall) but we did take advantage of the short commute last spring by attending all home games and a few away series that were within 5 hours. We have given him a ton of "parent free" time in the fall but we made up for it in the spring by being there for home games, even when we knew there was no way he would be in the line-up and I actually think he enjoyed having us there.
I ended up traveling approx. 4,500 miles by car during the spring season even though he was only 200 miles away and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
quote:Originally posted by cheapseats:
200 miles from home to the field - Most of the other schools he seriously considered were much further away but in the end being in the south was important for him, not to be close to home but to be in warmer weather.
Although he is only 200 miles away, he only came home 2 times his freshman year (Thanksgiving and Christmas). We visited him once last fall (none so far this fall) but we did take advantage of the short commute last spring by attending all home games and a few away series that were within 5 hours. We have given him a ton of "parent free" time in the fall but we made up for it in the spring by being there for home games, even when we knew there was no way he would be in the line-up and I actually think he enjoyed having us there.
I ended up traveling approx. 4,500 miles by car during the spring season even though he was only 200 miles away and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Nice Post
2,689 miles from home to school by car. He did the drive out in 4 days. Needless to say I never made the drive. Unfortunatly the car is still there and I'll have to help drive it back next week....
Went from coast to the other coast (where it's colder and wetter) -- 2700 miles.
His choice with our enthusiastic blessing.
So far, and it's very early in a college experience, reality is better than he could have dreamed -- academics, social, baseball.
We will travel back and see lots of games using miles accumulated over the years.
And a special thanks to TR who was kind enough to provide feedback on several of the programs/coaches S considered -- he is attending one of those schools!
His choice with our enthusiastic blessing.
So far, and it's very early in a college experience, reality is better than he could have dreamed -- academics, social, baseball.
We will travel back and see lots of games using miles accumulated over the years.
And a special thanks to TR who was kind enough to provide feedback on several of the programs/coaches S considered -- he is attending one of those schools!
I guess mine traveling 12 miles doesn't really apply for this post - LOL. But a "world" away in location and he couldn't be happier. He has only been home once. Since he is at his dream school, don't think I had anything to do with his decision.
20 minutes for the boy. Thought that his friends were crazy for playing in cold weather. It's been a excellent transition to date. Although he is looking forward to playing in Wisconsin this summer .